Happy Valley Selections February 5th

February 3rd, 2020

HKJC - Happy Valley Feb 5

Race 1: 5-9–8-2

La Bomba (5) is back on the Turf after a disappointing effort on the all weather track last outing. Both trainer Douglas Whyte and jockey Joao Moreira are hot right now, and look to be in a good spot here. This horse should be put within a few lengths of the lead, and Moreira should be able to set up a nice covered up trip from barrier 5.

Race 2: 6-8-1-11

Happy Good Guys (6) is looking to repeat off of a big win last start. Vincent Ho (11.5%) who has been hot lately takes over from jockey Silvestre de Sousa (9.4%). With a rating boost of 8 points from last start, that translates to carrying an extra 8 pounds this week, which I am hopeful will scare some backers away.

Race 3: 3-11-6-5

Let’s Take it Easy (3) hits a rating of 54 for this start, his lowest since 2017 following his first Hong Kong victory. The 6 year old may be tailing off slightly from his top form in late 2018, but he has been knocking at the door for a number of starts now. Jockey Derek Leung is only winning at 5.3%, and trainer Peter Leung is winning at 3.3%, so be sure to find appropriate value on the odds board before backing.

Race 4: 1-5-11-12

BEST BET: Loriz (1) looks to be the likely leader in the early stages of this one, which is advantageous given the good barrier draw over this 1,200 metre route. Jockey Alfred Chan claims 10 pounds which may make him hard to catch here if he can settle in on a lead in a reasonable pace. Trainer Ricky Yiu is winning at 17.5%, so don’t expect a big price here.

Race 5: 5-12-4-9

Casa De Force (5) picks up Joao Moreira, and also finds a much improved spot in the gate coming from barrier 4 this start. He has been close, but is still seeking his first Hong Kong win- perhaps the combination of a hot jockey, a good draw, and a sliding rating can work in his favour here.

Race 6: 4-1-5-12

Baby (4) comes back off an impressive victory last start, and will need to continue to improve as he has shown in his 4 year old season thus far. Jockey Alexis Badel will need to work out a covered up trip from barrier 10, not too far off the lead similar to the one Silvestre de Sousa was able to work out last start. Trainer Jimmy Ting is winning at 11.9%.

Race 7: 4–6-11-3

Horsesain Bolt (4) makes his second start in Hong Kong after only missing by a length in his debut. This 4 year old son of Excelebration should like the added distance as his two wins in Ireland both came in one mile contests. Trainer Douglas Whyte is winning at 13.5% and Karis Teetan is also having a strong season at 12.3%.

Race 8: 12-4–8-3

Right Honourable (12) seemed to like the reduced distance last start, only losing by just over a length at long odds. He keeps the same rating and weight for jockey Dylan Mo (3.0%), and trainer Richard Gibson (4.9%). He picks up an improved barrier here, and will need Dylan Mo’s best effort to pull of a win here- don’t accept short odds on this one.

Jockey Challenge Predicted Totals

1. Vincent Ho - 34 points
2. Joao Moreira - 30 points
3. Alexis Badel - 18 points